Riveredge Timeline
1964
Isabel Lillie learns about schools using forest labortories to teach science.
1965
Isabel Lillie, with support from Laurie Otto, Marge Reisinger and Donna Hodgson begin advocating for a nature center to serve the North Shore area of Milwaukee.
1968
Riveredge is created as a nature sanctuary with the purchase of 72 acres along the Milwaukee River.
1969
Naturalist G. Andrew Larsen joins Riveredge to continue development of the Nature Center.
1970
First environmental education classes begin.
1975
Riveredge acquires ten acres of land on the north side of Highway Y that include a barn and farmhouse facilities for class space, office area and storage room.
1977
Ecology conference for adults begins under the name of Eco Focus.
1985
Most recent land purchase brings total acreage to 351.
1988
After 20 years, Riveredge is one of the oldest and one of the largest nature centers in southeastern Wisconsin.
1989
Riveredge launches a $2.5 million capital fund drive, the first in its history.
1991
Staff and volunteers move into new education/visitor building.
1993
25th Anniversary is celebrated.
1998
30th Anniversary of the Land.
1999
30th Anniversary of Andy Larsen.
2000
30th Anniversary of Learning.
Spring of 2006
The Milwaukee River Lake Sturgeon Streamside Rearing Facility is installed near the Sugar Inn and the first volunteers are trained to operate the facility.
Fall of 2006
The sturgeon volunteers, the Wisconsin DNR and Riveredge release 27 imprinted lake sturgeon to the Milwaukee River.
Winter 2006
Riveredge purchases 20 acres from David Wallner, bringing the sanctuary to 370 acres.
Fall of 2007
Chris Beimborn, a Riveredge Kid, is hired as a Larsen Legacy Fellow to develop environmental education programs specific for the Mequon Nature Preserve. Riveredge releases 158 lake sturgeon into the Milwaukee River after they were blessed by Forest County Potawatomi medicine man Billy Daniels.
